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LIGHTNING TALKS

We are pleased to bring you a new format for our main stage sessions for DWIC2025. Each session will include a maximum 10-minute presentation followed by a fire-side chat and an interactive Q&A session with polling. Each session will be delivered within 30 minutes – allowing our delegation to pre-schedule the session/s that they may wish to attend without impacting on their time for bi-lateral meetings.

Download the Agenda and plan your days. In addition to Lightning Talks, we have two ‘Debate Hour’ sessions and two ‘Insight in 45’ Geo Spotlight sessions. All of our speakers have given their time and expertise to plan for their sessions and we look forward to welcoming you to the Spice Ballroom and the main stage!

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  • 07 DECEMBER - MONDAY

    1

  • Admission to Badge Holders only

    NETWORKING
    Where
    Atlantis Royal Terrace

  • 08 DECEMBER - TUESDAY

    2

  • A keynote and panel discussion exploring the Dubai International Financial Centre’s evolving role in global reinsurance, and an update on plans for 2026. The DIFC & members will assess regulatory developments, market expansion, and DIFC’s ambitions as a hub for innovation, MGAs, attracting new capacity, and capital flows across the MEASA region.

    MAIN STAGE - SPEAKER SESSIONS
    Where
    SILK BALLROOM

  • This session addresses the reinsurance response to a changing climate, covering catastrophe modelling, as well as promoting risk mitigation efforts and resilience financing. Panellists will discuss data and innovation, new product development, modelling approaches, and strategies for managing the natural catastrophe protection gap amid more frequent extreme weather events.

    MAIN STAGE - SPEAKER SESSIONS
    Where
    SILK BALLROOM

  • This session will examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping the reinsurance value chain from initial focus on claims automation, to greater onus on underwriting analytics, AI’s role in assisting better underwriting decisions and scalability, to the future of generative AI applications. The session will also consider how technology is changing workforce dynamics, hiring and skillsets across the industry.

    MAIN STAGE - SPEAKER SESSIONS
    Where
    SILK BALLROOM

  • A focused conversation following on from the DIFC keynote. The session will discuss on the Dubai International Financial Centre’s evolving role as a regional and international hub for reinsurance. Senior market figures will exchange views on regulatory developments, capital flows, and strategic priorities driving the DIFC’s continued growth and global relevance.

    CHATHAM HOUSE ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS
    Where
    The Boardroom

  • An engaging, participant-driven discussion on the most practical and high-impact AI applications in reinsurance. Delegates will debate real-world use cases in claims, underwriting, pricing, and portfolio management, exploring both successes and pitfalls. Expect open dialogue on governance, data ethics, and the pace of adoption across global markets.

    CHATHAM HOUSE ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS
    Where
    The Boardroom

  • An expert-led discussion on the rising risks of political violence, unrest and geopolitical disruption. The session will cover underwriting approaches, coverage evolution and claims experience, alongside the implications for reinsurers seeking to balance opportunity with heightened exposure in volatile regions.

    CHATHAM HOUSE ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS
    Where
    The Boardroom

  • Continue your meetings in an informal setting, to the backdrop of the sunset, on the Royal Terrace.

    NETWORKING
    Where
    Atlantis Royal Terrace

  • 09 DECEMBER - WEDNESDAY

    3

  • A deep dive into the Gulf region’s expanding reinsurance ecosystem. Speakers will highlight the latest market developments in Dubai, Riyadh and other centres, including the evolving role of brokers, underwriting the region’s economic growth plans, and regulatory shifts to drive sustainable growth.

    MAIN STAGE - SPEAKER SESSIONS
    Where
    SILK BALLROOM

  • This session explores the rapid rise of managing general agents (MGA) in Dubai and across the region. MGA experts will discuss what’s fuelling this growth, what are the qualities attracting capacity to MGAs, whether growth can be sustained, how it’s reshaping distribution channels, and where updating regulatory frameworks and evolving market appetites are headed.

    MAIN STAGE - SPEAKER SESSIONS
    Where
    SILK BALLROOM

  • A candid discussion with senior brokers and underwriters who have recently established or scaled their operations in the region for crisis management amid a volatile malicious risk environment. Topics include the evolving risk landscape, SRCC risks and grey-zone trends. Underwriting decision-making and exposure management and challenges amid a competitive market and a volatile threat landscape will make for a lively session.

    MAIN STAGE - SPEAKER SESSIONS
    Where
    SILK BALLROOM

  • Industry leaders will explore how the reinsurance market is responding to changing energy dynamics in the Gulf. The discussion spans traditional oil and gas exposures, offshore developments and the transition to green and renewable projects, with insights on capacity and emerging risk management trends.

    CHATHAM HOUSE ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS
    Where
    The Boardroom

  • This roundtable brings together experts to discuss how the industry is addressing regional catastrophe exposures. Topics include evolving hazard data, modelling advances and the role of reinsurance in supporting disaster preparedness, rapid recovery and resilient infrastructure across high-risk territories.

    CHATHAM HOUSE ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS
    Where
    The Boardroom

  • A roundtable assessing the fast-evolving cyber threat landscape and its implications for reinsurance. Participants will examine claims patterns, emerging vulnerabilities, and shifting regulatory requirements, while debating how best to structure risk transfer solutions in an increasingly complex digital environment.

    CHATHAM HOUSE ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS
    Where
    The Boardroom

  • 10 DECEMBER - THURSDAY

    4

  • A forward-looking discussion aligned with the Istanbul event, providing a glimpse into Türkiye discussions to be held in greater depth in Istanbul. Speakers will address Türkiye’s expanding reinsurance landscape, market growth prospects, regulatory reforms, closing Türkiye’s earthquake protection gap, and the role of regional and international partners in supporting sustainable market development.

    MAIN STAGE - GEO SPOTLIGHT
    Where
    SILK BALLROOM

  • This regional session shines a light on emerging re/insurance opportunities across Central Asia. Broking and underwriting leaders will examine the region’s insurance maturity, infrastructure investment opportunities, building data to add confidence, regulatory changes, and the potential for new and expanded re/insurance partnerships.

    MAIN STAGE - GEO SPOTLIGHT
    Where
    SILK BALLROOM

  • A dialogue focused on reinsurance market development across Sub-Saharan Africa. Panellists will explore growth in key territories, evolving regulatory frameworks and the role of international partnerships in technology adoption and sustainable market expansion.

    CHATHAM HOUSE ROUNDTABLE SESSIONS
    Where
    The Boardroom

PHIL STORY

PHIL STORY

SEO, ITA (MIDDLE EAST) AND Chairman, DIFC Insurance Association
TALAL BAHAFI

TALAL BAHAFI

Managing Director, CEO, WTW Saudi Arabia
CENK ECEVIT

CENK ECEVIT

Owner, ECB Insurance Brokers and Chairman, Türkiye Insurance Brokers Association
UGUR GULLEN

UGUR GULLEN

Chairman of Turkiye Insurers and Reinsurers Association & Board Member of Ak Sigorta Insurance Company
CLEMENT OWUSU

CLEMENT OWUSU

Group Chief Commercial Officer, Waica Re

PAMELA THOMSON HALL

PAMELA THOMSON HALL

CEO OF INTERNATIONAL, HEAD OF RISK & BROKING INTERNATIONAL, WTW
PETER ENGLUND

PETER ENGLUND

Senior Executive Officer – Middle East, Zurich Insurance Company
ANVAR UMAROV

ANVAR UMAROV

Director at Global Reinsurance and International Relations Centre, Uzbekinvest Export-Import Insurance Company JSC
ATINC YILMAZ

ATINC YILMAZ

ATINC YILMAZ, REGIONAL CEO & HOWDEN EUROPE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER
MARIA KUZNETSOVA

MARIA KUZNETSOVA

SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER, EMRGENT RISK SOLUTIONS

OLIVIA DARLINGTON

OLIVIA DARLINGTON

Partner, Clyde & Co
NEERAJ YADVENDU

NEERAJ YADVENDU

HEAD OF MIDDLE EAST, BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY SPECIALTY INSURANCE
ANDY WOODWARD

ANDY WOODWARD

Regional Head Middle East & Turkey, Lloyd’s
BELHASSEN TONAT

BELHASSEN TONAT

CHIEF UNDERWRITING OFFICER, RIYADH RE
WEBSTER TWAAMBO

WEBSTER TWAAMBO

Chief Executive Officer, Finsbury Re

OWAIS ANSARI

OWAIS ANSARI

Chief Executive Officer, Munich Re [Mena Region]
BRANDAN HOLMES

BRANDAN HOLMES

VP - Senior Credit Officer, Moody's
MATTHEW HILL

MATTHEW HILL

CEO, Chartered Insurance Institute [CII]
MOHAMED SAAD

MOHAMED SAAD

FCII-Chartered Insurer, SEO, Africa Re DIFC
ABDESSAMAD EL ANGOUDI

ABDESSAMAD EL ANGOUDI

Head of Agriculture for EMEA and International Parametric Expert, GALLAGHER RE

GRACITA AOA-DE GRACIA

GRACITA AOA-DE GRACIA

HEAD – INSURANCE & REINSURANCE, DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE AUTHORITY
GREG CARTER

GREG CARTER

Managing Director, Analytics - EMEA & AP, AM Best
ALYA AL ZAROUNI

ALYA AL ZAROUNI

Chief Operating Officer, Dubai International Financial Centre Authority
SIMBA MAKWEMBERE

SIMBA MAKWEMBERE

Managing Director, Maksure Risk Solutions
CHRIS MACKINNON

CHRIS MACKINNON

Regional Director, APMEA, Lloyd's

OYBEK N. KHALILOV

OYBEK N. KHALILOV

CEO, MOSAIC INSURANCE GROUP, CHAIRMAN AT INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF UZBEKISTAN
DAVID BENYON

DAVID BENYON

Editor, Global Reinsurance & DWIC Conference Chair
BLANCA BERRUGUETE

BLANCA BERRUGUETE

EMEA HEAD OF CLIENT MANAGEMENT, DESCARTES
 

PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

SR.500 DUBAI
Wednesday 30 April 2025, 12:00 – 14:00, Boardroom, Atlantis the Palm

StrategicRISK.500 is an exclusive ‘off the record’ members-only forum for a carefully selected group of the most senior risk management professionals and insurance buyers from the biggest companies across the globe.
Through a series of closed-door roundtable sessions, SR.500 will examine the rapidly evolving risk landscape and learn how some of the biggest companies are innovating to better build resilience.

Topic | Plugging the skills gap: How the Middle East is tackling people-related risks
The Middle East is grappling with significant people and talent risks that could impede economic growth and diversification efforts.

A key challenge is the widening skills gap, particularly in digital and technological sectors. Rapid advancements have outpaced the current workforce’s capabilities, leading to a shortage of qualified professionals in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity.

High turnover rates further compound these challenges. Employees are considering job changes, often due to gaps in employee benefits and dissatisfaction with current compensation structures. This creates significant risks around talent retention, as organisations struggle to maintain a stable and committed workforce.

Our SR.500 roundtable presents a valuable opportunity for senior risk management professionals and insurance buyers to engage in in-depth discussions on effective strategies to mitigate people and talent risks.

Participants:

DUBAI AIRPORTS
RAKINSURANCE
ADNOC GROUP
RAK CERAMICS
DEUTSCHE BANK
GULF INTERNATIONAL BANK
REVANTAGE [BLACKSTONE]
VISION INVEST
DP WORLD
IRM

If you would like to learn more about being an SR.500 partner please contact dan.king@nqsm.com